Patent application title: DISRUPTIVELY PRICED OR FREE FINANCIAL SERVICES OR ITEMS IN EXCHANGE FOR PARTICIPATION IN OPT IN ADVERTISING

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Abstract:

Embodiments are directed to providing disruptively priced or free
financial services or goods in exchange for participation in opt-in
advertising. A user may opt-in to receive some form of advertising on his
or her phone. The advertising may appear in a mobile wallet application
used to pay for goods or services. The advertising may be related to
products the user has previously purchased using the mobile wallet
application. An electronic payment system that provides the mobile wallet
application tracks and stores items that the user purchases using the
mobile wallet. The electronic payment system then analyzes the user's
purchasing habits to identify advertisements and/or promotions that may
be of interest to the user. The promotions (such as coupons) may then be
sent to the user's mobile wallet application and applied automatically
when the user purchases that item using the mobile wallet.

Claims:

1. A computer system comprising the following: one or more processors;
system memory; one or more computer-readable storage media having stored
thereon computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the one
or more processors, cause the computing system to perform a method for
providing a reduced cost or free financial service in exchange for
participation in opt-in advertising, the method comprising the following:
receiving an indication that a user is opting in to receive opt-in
advertising from an electronic payment system in exchange for a reduced
cost or free financial service or good, the user having a mobile wallet
account with the electronic payment system; receiving a list of one or
more items that the user has purchased using the mobile wallet account;
analyzing the list of items to identify items or item categories in which
the user may be interested; selecting one or more advertisements based on
the identified items or item categories; sending the selected
advertisements to a mobile wallet application for the user that is tied
to the user's mobile wallet account; determining that the user's
interactions with the selected advertisements warrant conferring a
benefit to the user, the benefit being selected from among a reduced cost
or free financial service or good, a coupon, a voucher, and a buy one get
one free offer; and conferring the selected benefit upon the user by
sending the benefit to the user's mobile wallet application.

2. The computer system of claim 1, further comprising: recording an
indication that the benefit was conferred to the user such that the
benefit can be used for subsequently purchased items; and indicating that
the benefit is available to the user by sending a message to the mobile
wallet application for the user.

3. The computer system of claim 2, wherein recording an indication that
the benefit was conferred to the user comprises storing the benefit in a
brand locker associated with the user's mobile wallet account.

4. The computer system of claim 2, wherein recording an indication that
the benefit was conferred to the user comprises recording a benefit
defined by a producer of a product in an advertisement sent to the mobile
wallet application.

5. The computer system of claim 1, wherein recording an indication that
the benefit was conferred to the user comprises recording a benefit
defined the electronic payment system.

6. The computer system of claim 1 wherein determining when the user's
interactions with the selected advertisements warrants conferring a
benefit to the user comprises determining that a benefit is to be
conferred on the user based on the user participating in a call to action
contained in the content of the advertisement.

7. The computer system of claim 1, wherein the electronic payment system
is wirelessly connected to a plurality of mobile telephones their
corresponding mobile wallet users.

8. The computer system of claim 1, wherein the mobile wallet application
is running on a digital device.

9. The computer system of claim 3, wherein the digital device is a mobile
telephone.

10. The computer system of claim 1, wherein the received list of one or
more items is analyzed along with one or more other items previously
purchased by the user to determine items or item categories in which the
user may be interested.

11. The computer system of claim 1, further comprising receiving an
indication that the user has redeemed the conferred benefit.

12. The computer system of claim 11, wherein the conferred benefit
comprises a coupon for a specified item and wherein the coupon is applied
automatically as the user pays for the specified item using the mobile
wallet application.

13. A computer system comprising the following: one or more processors;
system memory; one or more computer-readable storage media having stored
thereon computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the one
or more processors, cause the computing system to perform a method for
redeeming a benefit received for participation in opt-in advertising, the
method comprising the following: receiving a first indication from a
user's mobile wallet that a user is attempting to pay for a good or
service using a mobile wallet application; validating the user's mobile
wallet account to ensure that the user's mobile wallet account has
sufficient funds to pay for the specified good or service; receiving a
second indication from the user's mobile wallet application that a
specified benefit is to be applied for the purchase of the good or
service; determining that the specified benefit applies to the indicated
good or service; and applying the specified benefit to the indicated good
or service, such that the user purchases the indicated good or service at
a price reduced by the amount of the benefit.

14. The computer system of claim 13, wherein the specified benefit is
applied automatically as the user purchases the indicated good using the
mobile wallet application.

15. The computer system of claim 13, further comprising sending a
notification to the user indicating that the specified benefit was
applied to the purchase of the indicated good.

16. The computer system of claim 13, further comprising sending a
notification to the producer of the good indicating the benefit was
applied to the purchase of producer's good.

17. The computer system of claim 16, wherein the producer of the good
provides an additional benefit to the user for purchasing the producer's
goods.

18. The computer system of claim 17, wherein the additional benefit is
stored in a brand locker in the user's mobile wallet application.

19. A computer system comprising the following: one or more processors;
system memory; one or more computer-readable storage media having stored
thereon computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the one
or more processors, cause the computing system to perform a method for
redeeming a coupon received for participation in opt-in advertising, the
method comprising the following: receiving a first indication from a
user's mobile wallet that a user is attempting to pay for a good or
service using a mobile wallet application; validating the user's mobile
wallet account to ensure that the user's mobile wallet account has
sufficient funds to pay for the specified good or service; receiving a
second indication from the user's mobile wallet application that the
coupon is to be applied for the purchase of the good or service;
determining that the coupon applies to the indicated good or service; and
applying the coupon to the indicated good or service, such that the user
purchases the indicated good or service at a price reduced by the amount
of the coupon.

20. The computer system of claim 19, wherein coupons stored in the user's
brand locker are automatically applied when purchasing the coupon's
corresponding product or service.

Description:

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S.
Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/499,927, filed on Jun. 22, 2011,
entitled "Disruptively Priced or Free Financial Services or Items in
Exchange for Participation in Opt In Advertising", which is incorporated
herein by reference in its entirety. This application further claims
priority to and the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
13/484,199, entitled "Monetary Transaction System", filed on May 30,
2012, which itself claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser.
No. 61/522,099, filed on Aug. 10, 2011, entitled "Mobile Wallet
Platform", and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/493,064, filed on
Jun. 3, 2011, entitled "Mobile Wallet Platform". Each of the
aforementioned applications is incorporated by reference herein in its
entirety.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Mobile phones and other digital devices have become increasingly
popular in recent years. Many mobile device users use their devices to
perform countless different daily tasks. For instance, mobile devices
allow users to check email, send and receive instant messages, check
calendar items, take notes, set up reminders, browse the internet, play
games or perform any number of different actions using specialized
applications or "apps". These applications allow mobile devices to
communicate with other computer systems and perform a wide variety of
network-connected tasks previously not possible with a mobile device.

BRIEF SUMMARY

[0003] Embodiments described herein are directed to providing disruptively
priced or free financial services or items in exchange for participation
in opt-in advertising. A user may opt-in to receive some form of
advertising on his or her phone. The advertising may appear in a mobile
wallet application used to pay for goods or services. The advertising may
be related to products the user has previously purchased using the mobile
wallet application. The user has an account with a mobile payment system
that provides the mobile wallet application. The mobile payment system
can provide the user with a variety of functionality including purchasing
items along with one or more of depositing funds, withdrawing funds,
transferring funds, etc. Accordingly, the user can use a digital device
(e.g., a computer or mobile phone) to interact with the electronic
payment system to pay for goods and/or services.

[0004] In exchange for a financial benefit, the user opts in to receive
advertisements, coupons, vouchers, promotions, Buy One Get One ("BOGO")
offers or other benefits from the electronic payment system. Upon the
user's agreement to participate in opt-in advertising, the electronic
payment system may be permitted to store (e.g., by capturing purchase
orders), track, and analyze items that the user purchases through their
account with the electronic payment system. The electronic payment system
stores and maintains a list of a user's purchased items in a data
warehouse. The electronic payment system then analyzes the user's
purchasing habits to identify advertisements and/or promotions that may
be of interest to the user. The promotions (such as coupons) may then be
sent to the user's mobile wallet application and applied automatically
when the user purchases that item using the mobile wallet.

[0005] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a
simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed
Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or
essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to
be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0006] Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the
description which follows, and in part will be apparent to one of
ordinary skill in the art from the description, or may be learned by the
practice of the teachings herein. Features and advantages of embodiments
described herein may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments
and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.
Features of the embodiments described herein will become more fully
apparent from the following description and appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] To further clarify the above and other features of the embodiments
described herein, a more particular description will be rendered by
reference to the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings
depict only examples of the embodiments described herein and are
therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The embodiments
will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail
through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

[0008] FIG. 1 illustrates a monetary transaction system architecture in
which embodiments described herein may operate.

[0015] Embodiments described herein are directed to providing disruptively
priced or free financial services or items in exchange for participation
in opt-in advertising. A user may opt-in to receive some form of
advertising on his or her phone. The advertising may appear in a mobile
wallet application used to pay for goods or services. The advertising may
be related to products the user has previously purchased using the mobile
wallet application. The user has an account with a mobile payment system
that provides the mobile wallet application. The mobile payment system
can provide the user with a variety of functionality including purchasing
items along with one or more of depositing funds, withdrawing funds,
transferring funds, etc. Accordingly, the user can use a digital device
(e.g., a computer or mobile phone) to interact with the electronic
payment system to pay for goods and/or services.

[0016] In exchange for a financial benefit, the user opts in to receive
advertisements, coupons, vouchers, promotions, Buy One Get One ("BOGO")
offers or other benefits from the electronic payment system. Upon the
user's agreement to participate in opt-in advertising, the electronic
payment system may be permitted to store (e.g., by capturing purchase
orders), track, and analyze items that the user purchases through their
account with the electronic payment system. The electronic payment system
stores and maintains a list of a user's purchased items in a data
warehouse. The electronic payment system then analyzes the user's
purchasing habits to identify advertisements and/or promotions that may
be of interest to the user. The promotions (such as coupons) may then be
sent to the user's mobile wallet application and applied automatically
when the user purchases that item using the mobile wallet.

[0017] Embodiments described herein may comprise or utilize a special
purpose or general-purpose computer including computer hardware, such as,
for example, one or more processors and system memory, as discussed in
greater detail below. Embodiments described herein also include physical
and other computer-readable media for carrying or storing
computer-executable instructions and/or data structures. Such
computer-readable media can be any available media that can be accessed
by a general purpose or special purpose computer system.
Computer-readable media that store computer-executable instructions in
the form of data are computer storage media. Computer-readable media that
carry computer-executable instructions are transmission media. Thus, by
way of example, and not limitation, embodiments described herein can
comprise at least two distinctly different kinds of computer-readable
media: computer storage media and transmission media.

[0018] Computer storage media includes RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM, solid
state drives (SSDs) that are based on RAM, Flash memory, phase-change
memory (PCM), or other types of memory, or other optical disk storage,
magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other
medium which can be used to store desired program code means in the form
of computer-executable instructions, data or data structures and which
can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer.

[0019] A "network" is defined as one or more data links and/or data
switches that enable the transport of electronic data between computer
systems and/or modules and/or other electronic devices. When information
is transferred or provided over a network (either hardwired, wireless, or
a combination of hardwired or wireless) to a computer, the computer
properly views the connection as a transmission medium. Transmission
media can include a network which can be used to carry data or desired
program code means in the form of computer-executable instructions or in
the form of data structures and which can be accessed by a general
purpose or special purpose computer. Combinations of the above should
also be included within the scope of computer-readable media.

[0020] Further, upon reaching various computer system components, program
code means in the form of computer-executable instructions or data
structures can be transferred automatically from transmission media to
computer storage media (or vice versa). For example, computer-executable
instructions or data structures received over a network or data link can
be buffered in RAM within a network interface module (e.g., a network
interface card or "NIC"), and then eventually transferred to computer
system RAM and/or to less volatile computer storage media at a computer
system. Thus, it should be understood that computer storage media can be
included in computer system components that also (or even primarily)
utilize transmission media.

[0021] Computer-executable (or computer-interpretable) instructions
comprise, for example, instructions which cause a general purpose
computer, special purpose computer, or special purpose processing device
to perform a certain function or group of functions. The computer
executable instructions may be, for example, binaries, intermediate
format instructions such as assembly language, or even source code.
Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to
structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood
that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily
limited to the described features or acts described above. Rather, the
described features and acts are disclosed as example forms of
implementing the claims.

[0022] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various embodiments
may be practiced in network computing environments with many types of
computer system configurations, including personal computers, desktop
computers, laptop computers, message processors, hand-held devices,
multi-processor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer
electronics, network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, mobile
telephones, PDAs, tablets, pagers, routers, switches, and the like.
Embodiments described herein may also be practiced in distributed system
environments where local and remote computer systems that are linked
(either by hardwired data links, wireless data links, or by a combination
of hardwired and wireless data links) through a network, each perform
tasks (e.g. cloud computing, cloud services and the like). In a
distributed system environment, program modules may be located in both
local and remote memory storage devices.

[0023] In this description and the following claims, "cloud computing" is
defined as a model for enabling on-demand network access to a shared pool
of configurable computing resources (e.g., networks, servers, storage,
applications, and services). The definition of "cloud computing" is not
limited to any of the other numerous advantages that can be obtained from
such a model when properly deployed.

[0024] For instance, cloud computing is currently employed in the
marketplace so as to offer ubiquitous and convenient on-demand access to
the shared pool of configurable computing resources. Furthermore, the
shared pool of configurable computing resources can be rapidly
provisioned via virtualization and released with low management effort or
service provider interaction, and then scaled accordingly.

[0025] A cloud computing model can be composed of various characteristics
such as on-demand self-service, broad network access, resource pooling,
rapid elasticity, measured service, and so forth. A cloud computing model
may also come in the form of various service models such as, for example,
Software as a Service ("SaaS"), Platform as a Service ("PaaS"), and
Infrastructure as a Service ("IaaS"). The cloud computing model may also
be deployed using different deployment models such as private cloud,
community cloud, public cloud, hybrid cloud, and so forth. In this
description and in the claims, a "cloud computing environment" is an
environment in which cloud computing is employed.

[0026] Additionally or alternatively, the functionally described herein
can be performed, at least in part, by one or more hardware logic
components. For example, and without limitation, illustrative types of
hardware logic components that can be used include Field-programmable
Gate Arrays (FPGAs), Program-specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs),
Program-specific Standard Products (ASSPs), System-on-a-chip systems
(SOCs), Complex Programmable Logic Devices (CPLDs), and other types of
programmable hardware.

[0027] Still further, system architectures described herein can include a
plurality of independent components that each contribute to the
functionality of the system as a whole. This modularity allows for
increased flexibility when approaching issues of platform scalability
and, to this end, provides a variety of advantages. System complexity and
growth can be managed more easily through the use of smaller-scale parts
with limited functional scope. Platform fault tolerance is enhanced
through the use of these loosely coupled modules. Individual components
can be grown incrementally as business needs dictate. Modular development
also translates to decreased time to market for new functionality. New
functionality can be added or subtracted without impacting the core
system.

[0028] Various terminology will be used herein to describe the monetary
transaction system (also referred to as a "mobile wallet platform",
"mobile wallet program", "mobile wallet transaction system", "mobile
financial services (mFS) platform" or "electronic payment system"). The
term "agent" is used to refer to an individual with mFS transaction
system tools and training to support specific mFS functions. These mFS
functions include subscriber registration and activation, and the deposit
and withdrawal of funds from the mFS transaction system. Agents are
representatives of the mFS transaction system or "program". Agents can be
employees or contractors of the program provider, or other companies and
organizations that partner with the program provider to provide these
services themselves. Agents may be found in every facet of a typical
economy, and may include large retailers, mobile network operators (MNO)
airtime sales agents, gas stations, kiosks, or other places of business.

[0029] The mobile wallet platform includes a mobile wallet application,
web interface or some other type of functionality that allows the user to
interact with the mFS platform using their mobile device. The mobile
wallet application may include a subscriber identity module (SIM)
application, an Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD)
application, a smartphone application, a web application, a mobile web
application, a Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) application, a Java 2
Platform, Micro Edition (J2ME) application, a tablet application or any
other type of application or interface that provides tools for the agent
to register, activate, and offer other services to the mFS subscriber.

[0030] As used herein, a mobile wallet application is a mobile wallet
application installed on a SIM card. A USSD application is an application
that implements USSD for various functionality including prepaid callback
service, location-based content services, menu-based information services
and other mobile wallet platform services. A web application is one that
implements or uses the internet to provide mobile wallet platform
functionality. A mobile web application is similar to a web application,
but is tailored for mobile devices. A WAP application is one that uses
the wireless application protocol to communicate with the mobile wallet
platform to provide the platform's functionality. A J2ME application is
an application developed in Java and is designed to provide mobile wallet
functionality on a variety of different hardware. A tablet application is
an application specifically designed for a touchscreen-based tablet that
provides mobile wallet platform functionality for tablet devices, and as
part of configuring the phone on the network. Any of these applications
(or any combination thereof) may be provided on the user's mobile device.
This functionality can also be made available on a retail point of sale
(POS) system or web site.

[0031] The term "agent administrator" refers to an individual with mFS
program tools and training to administrate the allocation of funds to
agent branches (e.g. retail locations). As agents perform mFS
transactions with subscribers, such as depositing and withdrawing money,
the agents are adding and removing money from their own accounts. Any of
the applications referred to above may be configured to provide tools
used by the agent administrator to view the agent company balance, view
the agent branch balances, and transfer funds into and out of agent
branch mobile wallets. This functionality can also be made available on a
website for easier access.

[0032] In some embodiments, the mFS platform application may utilize
triple data encryption standard (3DES) encryption (or some other type of
encryption), encrypted message signing, and password security on some or
all of its communications with the mFS transaction system in order to
ensure that the transactions are properly secured and authenticated.

[0033] The term "agent branch" refers to any location where an agent
provides support for subscriber services of the mFS platform. Funds are
allocated by the agent administrator from the agent company's main
account to each agent branch to fund the subscriber mFS functions such as
depositing or withdrawing cash, in-store purchases, bill payments,
prepaid airtime top-ups and money transfers. In some cases, multiple
agents may work in a single branch. However, at least in some cases,
monetary funds are allocated to from the agent company's main account on
a per branch basis.

[0034] The term "agent branch account balance" refers to the amount of
money residing in a particular agent branch account at a given time.
Funds can be deposited into the branch account by the agent
administrator, or the funds can come from participating in subscriber mFS
transactions such as depositing or withdrawing cash from the subscriber's
mobile wallet accounts, or making retail purchases with the mobile
wallet.

[0035] In some embodiments, in countries with more developed economies, it
may be beneficial to use program-issued pre-paid debit cards, pre-paid
access accounts, stored value accounts or gift cards to conduct business
along with the added convenience of card processing networks such as
Cirrus, STAR, or Visa for POS and automated teller machine (ATM)
functionality. Agents, particularly those in retail outlets and kiosks,
can still support subscribers with deposits, withdrawals, and other
transfers, but in this case bank external card processors manage the
mobile wallet and branch account balances and provide the real-time
transfer of funds.

[0036] The term "agent branch ledger" refers to a written (or electronic)
ledger maintained by the mFS platform. Agent branch transactions are
performed on the agent's and subscriber's mobile phones where an
electronic record of the transaction is generated and stored on the mFS
platform. These electronic transactions are then reconciled with agent
branch ledgers to ensure the security and integrity of the transaction.
Agent branch ledgers are printed or electronic transaction logs that are
distributed to the agent branch locations in hard copy form to serve as a
backup record to the electronic transactions.

[0037] The term "agent company" refers to a business that registers to
participate in the mFS program as a partner of the mFS program provider
or owner. The agent company has one or more agent branches which conduct
mFS business with mFS program subscribers. In some cases, the agent
company may be referred to as a distributor or retailer.

[0038] The term "agent company account balance" refers to the sum of the
funds deposited at a "partner bank" (defined below) by the agent company
to fund the agent company's daily transactions. The funds in the agent
company account are then distributed to agent branches by the agent
company's agent administrator to conduct everyday business such as
accepting cash deposits and cash withdrawals from mFS subscribers. This
balance is sometimes referred to as the "agent company float".

[0039] An "agent manager" is a supervisor of company agents for a given
company. The agent manager has the training and tools to create, delete
or modify agent accounts for a company, as well as monitor the
transactions performed by agents. The agent manager may have a special
application or an increased level of rights to access applications
features not available to other users. The special application is a
program installed on the agent manager's terminal. This application
provides the agent manager the ability to securely perform agent manager
functions such as registering and activating new agent accounts. The mFS
agent manager application may be installed on any terminal or device. It
communicates with the mFS platform using binary and/or text SMS messages.
A wireless service provider or MNO provides the GSM SMS network
infrastructure on which the mFS platform operates.

[0040] As subscribers, agents, and other mFS program participants conduct
business in the mFS program, value is transferred from one account to the
next as payment for services rendered or goods purchased. This value can
be in the form of real currency or the electronic representation referred
to herein as eMoney. Among other situations, eMoney is used in mFS
implementations where the real-time processing of financial transactions
including card processing is not practical. The mFS platform utilizes an
internal transaction processor for managing the real-time balance of
mobile wallet and agent accounts as value (eMoney) is transferred from
one mobile wallet to another in payment for services.

[0041] The term "mFS program master account" refers to a bank account
maintained by the mFS program partner bank to provide funds and float for
the operation of the mFS platform. Depending on the type of mFS
implementation, the master account can include sub-accounts for each of
the agent branches and subscriber mobile wallets, giving the bank
visibility into all transactions on a per-user basis. The mFS platform
can also manage the balance of sub-accounts and interact with the bank's
master account when funds need to be deposited or withdrawn from the
account.

[0042] The term mobile network operator (MNO) refers to a provider of
mobile phone service including basic voice, SMS, unstructured
supplementary service data (USSD) and data service, and may also be
referred to as a "wireless service provider".

[0043] The term "mobile wallet" or "mobile wallet account" refers to a
stored value account or prepaid access account (PPA) that allows the
owner (or "subscriber") to pay for goods and services on the mFS platform
from his or her mobile wallet account. When the mFS eMoney transaction
processor is used, the mobile wallet balance is maintained by the mFS
platform and value is exchanged within the mFS program as eMoney. When
the mFS platform is integrated to an external card processor, the mobile
wallet utilizes funds from the subscriber's prepaid debit card and bank
account to exchange value on the mFS platform.

[0044] The term "partner bank" refers to the primary bank participating in
the mFS program. The partner bank is responsible for holding the mFS
program master accounts that hold the funds for all mFS services and
transactions. A "PIN" refers to a numeric password that may be required
to perform a transaction via the mobile wallet application.

[0045] The term "subscriber" refers to a participant of the mFS mobile
wallet platform. The subscriber maintains a mobile wallet balance and
performs transactions using the mFS application. An "unbanked subscriber"
is a subscriber that does not have (or does not have access to) a bank
account or credit union account. The application or "mobile wallet
application" provides mobile wallet functionality to the (unbanked)
subscriber. The mobile wallet application is installed on a mobile device
in the device's memory, on a SIM card (such as a GSM SIM card) or is
otherwise accessible to the mobile device. The mobile wallet application
provides the subscriber the ability to securely perform subscriber
functions such as making retail purchases, paying bills, or transferring
money to other mFS subscribers and non-subscribers. The mobile wallet
application communicates with the mFS platform using binary and text SMS
messages, among other forms of wireless communication. A wireless service
provider or MNO provides the GSM network infrastructure on which the mFS
platform operates.

[0046] FIG. 1 illustrates an example system architecture for a mobile
wallet platform. Integration tier 101 is configured to manage mobile
wallet sessions and maintain integrity of financial transactions.
Integration tier 101 can also include a communication (e.g., Web
services) API and/or other communication mechanisms to accept messages
from channels 111. Other mechanisms include, but are not limited to:
International Standards Organization ("ISO") 8583 for Point of Sale
("POS") and Automated Teller Machines ("ATM") devices and Advanced
Message Queuing Protocol ("AMQP") for queue based interfaces. Each of
channels 111 can be integrated to one or more mechanisms for sending
messages to integration tier 101. Notification services 102 is configured
to send various notifications through different notification channels
112, such as, for example, Short Message Peer-to-Peer ("SSMP") for Short
Messaging Service ("SMS") and Simple Mail Transfer Protocol ("SMTP") for
emails. Notification services 102 can be configured through a web
services API.

[0047] Service connectors 103 are a set of connectors configure to connect
to 3rd party systems 113. Each connector can be a separate module
intended to integrate an external service to the system architecture.
Business process services 104 are configured to implement business
workflows, including executing financial transactions, auditing financial
transactions, invoking third-party services, handling errors, and logging
platform objects. Payment handler 105 is configured to wrap APIs of
different payment processors, such as, for example, banking accounts,
credit/debit cards or processor 121. Payment handler 105 exposes a common
API to facilitate interactions with many different kinds of payment
processors.

[0050] Name matching engine 110 is configured to match different objects
according to specified configuration rules. Matching engine 110 can be
use to find similarities between names, addresses, etc. Transaction
processor 121 is configured to manage financial accounts and
transactions. The transaction processor 121 can be used to hold, load,
withdraw and deposit funds to mobile wallet accounts. Transaction
processor 121 can also be used as a common interface to a third party
processor system. When used as a common interface, financial operations
may be delegated to the external processor. A Clearing House subsystem of
transaction processor 121 can be used to exchange the financial
information with a bank.

[0051] Components of a mobile wallet platform can be connected to one
another over (or be part of) a system bus and/or a network. Networks can
include a Local Area Network ("LAN"), a Wide Area Network ("WAN"), and
even the Internet. Accordingly, components of the mobile wallet platform
can be "in the cloud". As such, mobile wallet platform components as well
as any other connected computer systems and their components, can create
message related data and exchange message related data (e.g., Internet
Protocol ("IP") datagrams and other higher layer protocols that utilize
IP datagrams, such as, Transmission Control Protocol ("TCP"), Hypertext
Transfer Protocol ("HTTP"), Simple Mail Transfer Protocol ("SMTP"), etc.)
over the system bus and/or network.

[0052] The components depicted in FIG. 1 can interoperate to provide a
number of financial and other services including but not limited to
enrolling a customer for a mobile wallet, adding a stored value account
(either hosted by a mobile wallet platform or a third party), adding a
bank or credit union account to a mobile wallet, adding a debit or credit
card account to a mobile wallet, depositing funds in a mobile wallet,
withdrawing funds from a mobile wallet, paying bills from a mobile
wallet, topping up a prepaid mobile account through a mobile wallet,
transferring funds through a mobile wallet (nationally or
internationally), making in-store purchases using a mobile wallet, and
various other tasks as described herein below. These services will be
described in greater detail below with regard to system FIGS. 1 and 2, as
well as FIGS. 3-19B.

[0053]FIG. 2 depicts a monetary transaction system 200 similar to that
described in FIG. 1. The monetary transaction system 200 may provide a
more simplified system structure in which each of the above services may
be provided. The system includes a subscriber 205. The subscriber may
have access to a bank account, or may be an unbanked subscriber. The
subscriber has a profile 211 with the monetary transaction system 210.
The profile includes the subscriber's know your customer (KYC)
information, as well as any associated bank accounts, credit union
accounts, bill pay accounts or other accounts. The subscriber has (or has
access to) a mobile device 206 such as a phone or tablet. The mobile
device runs the mobile wallet application (or mobile wallet application)
207.

[0054] The subscriber can indicate, using the mobile application 207 which
transaction or other action he or she would like to perform. The
indicated transaction 208 is sent to the mobile wallet platform 210 to be
carried out by the platform. The transaction processor 216 (which may be
similar to or the same as transaction processor 121 of FIG. 1) performs
the transaction(s) specified by the (unbanked) subscriber 205. The
transaction processor may implement various other components to perform
the transaction including memory 217, (wireless) communication module
215, rules engine 210 and/or transaction database 225.

[0055] Performing the specified transactions may include communicating
with the monetary transaction database 225 to determine whether the
transaction is permissible based on data indicated in the unbanked
subscriber's profile (for instance, whether the subscriber has enough
eMoney in his or her stored value account, or has enough money in his or
her bank account). Rules engine 220 may also be consulted to determine
whether the subscriber has exceeded a specified number of allowed
transactions. Then, if funds are available, and the transaction is
otherwise permissible, the monetary transaction system can transfer money
or eMoney 221 to or from an entity such as a user or agent (e.g. entity
222) to or from an establishment such as a retail store or agent company
(e.g. entity 223).

[0056] In some cases, the monetary transaction system 210 application
provides a web interface that allows subscribers to perform the same
functions provided by the monetary transaction system application. For
instance, mobile wallet application 207 may provide a web interface that
allows a user to enroll for a mobile wallet. The web interface (or the
mobile wallet application itself) receives a subscriber-initiated
transaction over one of a plurality of channels (111 from FIG. 1)
connected to the monetary transaction system 210. The web interface or
mobile wallet application may prompt for and receive enrollment
information (e.g. KYC information) for the (unbanked) subscriber 205 over
at least one of the plurality of channels (e.g. web, point-of-sale (POS),
interactive voice response (IVR, etc.). The web interface or mobile
wallet application may then send activation instructions over the same or
a different channel to activate the (unbanked) subscriber 205 and create
a subscriber account for the (unbanked) subscriber.

[0057] Once the subscriber has an account, the monetary transaction system
generates a corresponding mobile wallet for the unbanked subscriber
(available via the web interface and/or the mobile wallet application.
The system then presents the (unbanked) subscriber's account data
associated with the mobile wallet and/or a notification indicating that
enrollment was successful to the subscriber. Accordingly, the mobile
wallet application or the web interface may be used to provide user
enrollment functionality. It should also be understood that either the
mobile wallet application or the web interface may be used to provide
substantially all of the mobile wallet functionality described herein.

[0058] It should also be noted that the mobile device 206 may be any type
of plan-based phone or tablet, or prepaid phone or tablet. Many
subscribers, such as unbanked subscribers, may primarily use prepaid
phones. The mobile wallet application 207 may be installed on both
plan-based phones and prepaid phones. The mobile wallet application may
be installed on the device's SIM card, or on the device's main memory.
Accordingly, the monetary transaction system 200 may be accessed and used
via substantially any type of plan-based or prepaid mobile device.

[0059] The components depicted in FIG. 1 can interoperate to provide a
number of financial and other services including but not limited to
enrolling a customer for a mobile wallet, adding a stored value account
(either hosted by an electronic payment system or a third party), adding
a bank/credit union account to a mobile wallet, adding a debit/credit
card account to a mobile wallet, depositing funds in a mobile wallet,
withdrawing funds from a mobile wallet, paying bills from a mobile
wallet, topping up a prepaid mobile account through a mobile wallet,
transferring funds through a mobile wallet, making in store purchases
from a mobile wallet, or transferring money or eMoney from one business
account to another business account (i.e. from one business's mobile
vault to another business's mobile vault, as will be shown in FIG. 4).

[0060]FIG. 3A depicts a subscriber-to-subscriber eMoney transfer. In a
merchant and distributor scenario, either or both of the merchant and the
distributor (including any delivery personnel) may be subscribers. To
perform such a transfer, subscriber A (301) enters some type of
identification information identifying subscriber B (e.g. subscriber B's
phone number) and an amount of money he or she wishes to transfer. The
transaction processor 216 of the monetary transaction system 210
determines if there are sufficient funds to complete the transfer. If
sufficient funds are available, the monetary transaction system 210
decrements subscriber A's account and credits subscriber B's account
(302). The system then sends some kind of notification (e.g. SMS) to
subscriber B indicating that a certain amount of money was transferred to
their account. Subscriber A may also receive a notification that the
transfer was successful. Accordingly, eMoney may be transferred between
two mFS platform subscribers, one or both of which may be unbanked. The
monetary transaction system 210 processes the subscribers' requests,
updates the subscribers' eMoney balances, logs the transactions, and
sends transaction information to a specified bank when needed.

[0061] FIG. 3B illustrates a subscriber-to-non-subscriber eMoney transfer.
Accordingly, as mentioned above, either or both of the merchant and the
distributor may be non-subscribers. In graphic 305, subscriber A wishes
to send eMoney to another individual that is not a subscriber to the mFS
platform. The transaction is initiated in the same fashion as the
subscriber-to-subscriber transfer scenario. However, since non-subscriber
B does not have a mobile wallet account, the monetary transaction system
210 cannot credit them with eMoney. Instead, the monetary transaction
system 210 sends a notification (e.g. via SMS) to non-subscriber B with
instructions for how to pick-up the transferred money, along with an
authorization code (306). The monetary transaction system 210 puts a hold
on subscriber A's account for the amount transferred. Subscriber B then
has a specified number of days to pick up the cash before the hold
expires and the amount is credited back to subscriber A's eMoney account
by the monetary transaction system 210.

[0062] When non-subscriber B goes to pick up the money at an agent branch,
the agent branch's manager or agent verifies the authorization code via
an agent manager or agent mobile wallet application (that, in turn,
accesses the mFS platform). Once the transfer has been validated, the
agent gives the cash to non-subscriber B. The agent branch's mFS account
is credited with the transfer amount (307) and the user leaves with the
cash in hand (308). The mFS platform processes the transfer request,
updates subscriber A's eMoney balance, logs the transaction, and sends
transaction details to a platform-specified bank.

[0063]FIG. 4 illustrates a mobile wallet subscriber making a retail
purchase. Mobile wallet subscribers can make retail purchases at agent
branches directly from their mobile device. Agent branches, as explained
above, are retail stores or other entities that have registered with the
mFS system and are able to accept mobile wallet payments. Accordingly, a
subscriber can select the items they wish to purchase, and indicate (via
the mobile wallet application) to the agent branch that they wish to pay
for the items. The mobile wallet application then communicates with the
agent branch and the monetary transaction system to indicate the price of
the transaction. The monetary transaction system 210 then debits the
subscriber's eMoney account (401) and credits the agent branch's eMoney
account (402). The agent branch (and/or the agent manager or agent)
receives confirmation that subscriber paid for the purchase. The
subscriber may also receive a summary of the retail purchase and may be
asked to confirm the purchase by entering a PIN. The monetary transaction
system processes the purchase request, updates the agent branch and
subscriber's eMoney balances, logs the transaction, and sends transaction
details to a mFS platform-specified bank.

[0064] In one embodiment, the monetary transaction system 210 is
implemented to make a purchase from a mobile wallet. The communications
module 215 of the monetary transaction system 210 receives a
communication from a subscriber over a communication channel 111. The
subscriber communication indicates that an unbanked subscriber 205
desires to purchase an item for a specified amount of funds using a
specified payment method from the unbanked subscriber's mobile wallet.

[0065] The monetary transaction system 210 then returns a secure,
perishable purchase code to the unbanked subscriber over at least one of
the channels connected to the monetary transaction system and receives a
subsequent agent branch communication over a channel indicating that the
purchase code has been presented to an agent (branch). The monetary
transaction system 210 validates the status of the specified payment
method, determines if the specified payment method can accommodate a
purchase for the specified amount, performs a limit check and/or a
velocity check on the selected payment method, debits the specified
payment method by the specified amount of funds, returns a notification
to the agent branch authorizing the purchase and sends a receipt to the
unbanked subscriber over a communication channel. The monetary
transaction system 210 may thus be used in this manner to make a retail
purchase using a mobile wallet.

[0066] FIG. 5 depicts a physical environment and corresponding computer
system architecture 500 for providing disruptively priced or free
financial services or items in exchange for participation in opt-in
advertising. The environment 500, like the scenarios described in FIGS.
3A, 3B and 4, involves the use of a mobile wallet application 511. The
mobile wallet application 511 can be used to provide disruptively priced
or free financial services or items in exchange for participation in
opt-in advertising. The mobile wallet application may be run on any type
of digital device including a mobile phone, tablet, laptop or other
digital device. Embodiments include providing digital data (e.g., coupons
or vouchers) for obtaining disruptively priced or free items (e.g.,
consumer goods or groceries) to such digital devices.

[0067] In some embodiments, a user has an account with a mobile payment
system. The mobile payment system (e.g. 210 of FIG. 2 or 521 of FIG. 5)
can provide the user 507 with a variety of functionality including
purchasing items (see FIG. 4), depositing funds, withdrawing funds,
transferring funds (see FIGS. 3A and 3B), etc. Accordingly, the user can
use a digital device to interact with the electronic payment system 521
to pay for goods and/or services.

[0068] In exchange for some type of financial benefit, the user opts in to
receive advertisements. The financial benefits may include coupons,
vouchers, promotions, Buy One Get One ("BOGO") offers or any other type
of benefit (such as a reduced cost or free financial service or good)
from the electronic payment system. The benefit may be targeted to the
user based on the user's age, location or other demographic information,
or based on the user's past purchases. At least in some embodiments, when
the user agrees to participate in opt-in advertising, the electronic
payment system 521 is permitted to store (e.g., by capturing purchase
orders), track, and analyze items that the user purchases through their
account with the electronic payment system. The electronic payment system
stores and maintains lists of the users' purchased items in a data
warehouse. The electronic payment system may also store information about
the user (anonymous or otherwise) including age, income level, an
indication of whether kids are in the family, or other information that
may be useful in targeting ads or benefits to the user.

[0069] The electronic payment system analyzes 534 the users purchasing
habits to identify advertisements and/or promotions that may be of
interest to the user. The advertisements and/or promotions can be for
items the user has purchased 503. The advertisements and/or promotions
can also be for items related to items the user has purchase. For
example, if user has purchased a particular brand of razor,
advertisements for the brand's shaving cream can be identified.
Advertisements for related items can also be used for cross-promotion.

[0070] From time to time, at specified intervals, or based on location
(e.g., having a coupon for a merchant this is with a specified proximity)
the electronic payment system sends identified advertisements and/or
promotions to the user's digital device. When specified advertising
thresholds are satisfied (e.g., a specified number and/or type of
advertisements and/or promotions are presented), the electronic payment
system confers a financial benefit on the user's account. For example,
the electronic payment system can provide the user's account with a low
cost (e.g., reduced fee) or free financial service, such as, for example,
one reduced cost bill pay or one free bill pay. Alternately, the
electronic payment system can provide the user's account with a coupon or
voucher for an item (e.g., an item a user has pre-selected or an item the
user has purchased in the past).

[0071] In some embodiments, a client application for the electronic
payment system runs on the user's digital device (e.g. mobile wallet
application 511). The user interacts with the electronic payment system
through the client application. From a screen of the client application,
the user can agree to accept opt in advertising. Accordingly, embodiments
of the invention essentially permit a user to self-monetize themselves
through their digital device.

[0073] Generally, each company in packaged goods companies 571 (or
retailers that sell the packaged goods or other goods or services) can
send advertisement data to electronic payment system 521. Advertisements
538 represent the collection of advertisement data sent from packaged
goods companies 571. Each company in packaged goods companies 571 can
also submit benefit rules to electronic payment system 521. Benefit rules
578 represent the collection of benefit rules sent from packaged goods
companies 571. Benefit rules 578 define when a benefit, such as, for
example, a free financial service, a coupon, a promotion, etc, is to be
granted to a user of electronic payment system 521. For example, in
response to completing a questionnaire linked to a product advertisement,
a user can be given a coupon for the product or for a related product.

[0075] User 507 can use mobile wallet application 511 to participate in
opt-in advertising. For example, user 507 can use mobile wallet
application 511 to send opt-in 544 to electronic payment system 521.
Advertising module 533 can receive opt-in 544 and record that mobile
wallet application 511 has opted in for advertising. As such, when user
507 makes a purchase using mobile wallet application 511, a list of
purchased items is sent to electronic payment system 521. For example,
upon purchasing goods 503, item list 531 is sent to electronic payment
system 521 and stored in data warehouse 532.

[0076] Propensity analysis module 534 can analyze user 507's purchases,
including item list 531. From the analysis, propensity analysis module
534 can identify items or categories of items user 507 may be interested
in. The items can be items user 507 has purchased in the past (e.g., an
item in goods 503) or items related to items user 507 has purchases in
the past. Propensity analysis module 534 can indicate identified items or
categories of items to advertisement identification module 536. These
identified items or categories are items that the user is likely
interested in and, as such, may have a propensity toward buying these
items. The propensity analysis module may use past purchases, personal
preferences, lifestyle or demographic information or other data in the
propensity analysis.

[0077] Advertisement identification module 536 can then select
advertisements from advertisements 538 that correspond to the identified
items or categories of items. For example, advertisement identification
module 536 can select advertisement 546 for presentation at mobile wallet
application 511. Advertisement 546 can be an advertisement for a product
made by a company in packaged goods companies 571. Additionally or
alternatively, the advertisement 546 may be created by the merchant and
may advertise products or services sold by that merchant.

[0078] Advertising module 533 can send selected advertisements to mobile
wallet application 511. For example, advertising module 533 can send
advertisement 546 (e.g., related to an item in goods 503) to mobile
wallet application 511. In general, advertisements can include
interactive content. For example, advertisement 546 includes content 573.
Content 573 can be a video, a link to a company website (e.g., for a
company in packaged goods companies 571), a call to action (such as a
questionnaire), or some other content user 507 can interact with through
digital device 508. User 507 can interact with content 573, for example,
responding to questions in content 573. Advertisement response 574 can
indicate how user 507 has interacted with content 573. In one embodiment,
a call to action may be to post an update on Facebook® or some other
website such as a retail establishment ranking website. If the user makes
such a post or performs some other call to action, the user may be
rewarded with a benefit. That benefit may be related to the product about
which the user posted on the various websites.

[0079] Based on advertisement response 574, benefit determination module
576 can determine if a benefit is to be conferred upon user 507. Benefit
determination module 576 can refer to benefit rules 578 when making a
determination whether or not to confer a benefit. Thus, when user 507
interacts with advertisement 546 in a specified way (e.g., completes a
survey, watches a video, etc.), benefit rules 578 can indicate that a
company benefit (e.g., benefit 577) is to be conferred upon user 507. For
example, benefit determination module 576 can confer benefit 577 on user
507. When user 507 receives an advertisement for a razor, for instance,
and answers a questionnaire on how often they shave, a razor manufacture
can give user 507 a coupon for reduced cost or free razor blades.

[0080] When a benefit is to be conferred on a user, the benefit can be
stored in the user's brand locker. For example, benefit determination
module 576 can store benefit 577 in brand locker 572 (part of user mobile
wallet 524). Benefit 577 can be a coupon, a reduced cost or free
financial service, a voucher, a promotion, a free bill pay, etc.

[0081] Benefit determination module 576 can also track aggregate
statistics, such as, for example, specified number and/or type of
advertisements received, for advertisements presented at mobile wallet
application 511. Benefits can also be conferred upon users based on the
aggregate statistics. For example, benefit determination module 576 can
confer a benefit upon user 507 in response to twenty advertisements being
presented at mobile wallet application 511. Thus, conferred benefits can
be company-specified benefits or can be electronic payment
system-specified benefits. Electronic payment system 521 can notify a
user when a benefit is conferred. For example, electronic payment system
521 can send benefit notification 547 to mobile wallet application 511 to
indicate benefit 577 being stored in brand locker 572.

[0082] When user 507 makes subsequent purchases through user mobile wallet
524, electronic payment system 521 can automatically check brand locker
572 for benefits related to any purchases items. If benefits for an item
are identified, user 507 can be notified through mobile wallet
application 511. In some cases, if benefits are identified, those
benefits can be applied automatically when the user purchases that item
or service. Thus, if the benefit is a coupon or a buy one get one free
offer, that benefit may be applied automatically when the user uses his
or her mobile wallet application 511 to purchase that item. Accordingly,
embodiments of the invention permit user 507 to self monetize digital
device 508 through agreeing to participate in opt-in advertising.

[0083] Although not depicted, various other modules from the architecture
of FIG. 1 or 2 can also be included electronic payment system 521. The
modules expressly depicted in FIG. 5 can interoperate with these other
modules as appropriate to facilitate desired functionality.

[0084] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, a method 600 for providing
reduced cost or free services or goods in exchange for participation in
opt-in advertising is described. This method is further described in
conjunction with the electronic payment system 521 of FIG. 5, as well as
the example screenshot of a mobile wallet application 711 illustrated in
FIG. 7.

[0085] Method 600 includes receiving an indication that user 507 is opting
in to receive opt-in advertising from electronic payment system 521 in
exchange for a reduced cost or free financial service (step 610). The
user has a mobile wallet account 524 with the electronic payment system
521. Next, method 600 includes receiving a list of one or more items 531
that the user has purchased using the mobile wallet account 524 (step
620) and analyzing 534 the list of items to identify items or item
categories in which the user may be interested (and which the user may
have a propensity toward buying) (step 630). Method 600 further includes
selecting one or more advertisements 546 based on the identified items or
item categories (step 640) and sending the selected advertisements to
mobile wallet application 511 (which is tied to the user's mobile wallet
account 524) for use by the user (step 650). Method 600 then includes
determining that the user's interactions 574 with the selected
advertisements 543 warrant conferring a benefit 577 to the user 507 (step
660), where the benefit is selected from among a reduced cost or free
financial service, a coupon, a voucher, and a buy one get one free offer,
and then conferring the selected benefit 577 upon the user by sending the
benefit to the user's mobile wallet application 511 (step 670).

[0086] After the benefit has been conferred upon the user, the user may
use the benefit when purchasing a corresponding product or service.
Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 7, for example, if Ad 1 or Ad 2 (701) shows
a name brand diaper and the user interacts with the ad in some way, the
company that produces the diaper may send a coupon or other benefit to
the user's mobile wallet 511. Then, when the user is at a retail location
(e.g. 502), the user may purchase that name brand diaper using their
mobile wallet (e.g. using the "Purchases" button 706). The coupon or
other benefit sent by the diaper producer will be automatically applied
at checkout, such that the user obtains the diapers for a discounted
price. Many different coupons or other benefits may be stored in the
user's brand locker 572, and each of these may be applied automatically
when the electronic payment system 521 determines that the user is
purchasing that product or service.

[0087] Still further, as mentioned above, the user may use their mobile
wallet application 711 to perform other tasks such as adding airtime to
their phone (702), paying a bill (703), sending money to another party
(704), transferring money (705) or withdrawing money (707) at an agent
branch, for example. Many other functions may be provided by the mobile
wallet application. As such, buttons 702-707 are merely examples of
possible buttons. Moreover, the look and feel of mobile wallet
application 711 may be as illustrated in FIG. 7, or may be substantially
different, or may be modified by the user. Accordingly, the layout shown
in FIG. 7 is just one example of a possible button and advertisement
layout. Many such layouts are possible, and may be different for each
phone or digital device.

[0088] Thus, using the electronic payment system 521, a user may opt in to
receive opt-in advertising. Then, after receiving that advertising (and
possibly after interacting with it), the user may be conferred a benefit.
This benefit may be used to receive reduced cost or free financial
services or goods. The benefit may be applied automatically as the user
is purchasing that good or service.

[0089] Embodiments of the invention can adhere to Know Your Customer (KYC)
rules in the US by performing Customer Identification Program (CIP)
checks as required by the Bank Secrecy Act and US PATRIOT Act. A minimum
amount of information can be gathered about a customer, such as, for
example, First Name, Last Name, Date of Birth, Government ID Type,
Government ID Number, Address. The CIP processes are designed to validate
customer identity against government blacklists and assists in the
prevention of money laundering and terrorist financing. A combination of
non-documentary and documentary verification can be used to ensure beyond
a reasonable doubt the identity of the customer.

[0090] Non-Documentary Verification can occur through the presentment of
the information that was collected from the user to an external third
party, such as, for example, Lexis Nexis. Documentary Verification can
occur if non-documentary verification fails, then the user is asked to
present an unexpired government ID. Various differ forms of
identification including Driver's license, Passport, Alien identification
(e.g., green card or work visa), and Mexican Consular identification
card, can be accepted.

[0091] Embodiments of the invention can perform Anti-Money Laundering
(AML) and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (CFT) checks. AML and CFT
checks can be performed using transaction monitoring methods to flag
names and suspicious transactions for further investigation. The
electronic payment system can perform AML and CFT checks on all
electronic financial transactions to ensure that electronic funds are not
being used for money laundering or terrorism. Transaction limits can be
placed on user accounts. The transaction limits are fully configurable
for each particular use case, channel and payment method that allows
maximum flexibility to restrict higher risk use cases. Velocity checks
can also be performed. Velocity Checks ensure that subscribers are not
abusing the electronic payment system within the allowable limits.

[0092] The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms
without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The
described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as
illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is,
therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing
description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of
equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.